2022 Citroen C4 fails to achieve maximum safety rating: New Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen T-Roc rival cops four stars

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has delivered the all-new Citroen C4 small SUV a four-star rating after recording lower-than-expected results in some test categories.

Citroen only launched the new-generation C4 in Australia last week and the model is expected to be the first of a number of new models to bolster its slim line-up.

The C4’s overall score was impacted by the fact that it’s not offered with a front centre airbag for far-side impact protection.

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Under ANCAP’s 2022 protocols, vehicles tested from then on must have centre airbags to achieve a maximum five stars.

In the C4’s case, it scored just 0.12 out of a possible four points for far-side impact protection, bringing down the overall score for adult occupant protection to 76 per cent.

The C4 also lost points in the vulnerable road user protection crash test category as it lacks a more advanced autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system with cyclist detection or reversing pedestrian detection.

In that category, the C4 scored 57 per cent, but it fared well in child occupant protection (81 per cent) and so-so in safety assist (62 per cent).

ANCAP chief executive officer Carla Hoorweg said 21 of the 23 new vehicles tested by the safety watchdog under the new protocols have achieved a five-star result, which highlights the efforts of manufacturers to ensure occupant safety.

The new Citroen C4 crossover just went on sale in Australia in November.

“Achieving the highest level of safety in ANCAP assessments is not a simple task, yet it is clear through the star rating results we continue to see from the vast majority of brands that collectively the ambition exists to supply the safest vehicles possible,” she said.

“The safety performance of the C4 suggests the same level of ambition shown by many of its competitors was not a focus for Citroën with this particular model.

“It is likely that with some small enhancements, Citroën could see the C4 elevated to five stars, and we would strongly encourage Citroën to consider introducing such improvements.”

In a statement, a Citroen Australia spokesperson highlighted the safety features fitted as standard to the new C4.

“As with all Citroen vehicles, the C4 focuses on providing safety, comfort and convenience. The single highly specified C4 variant available in Australia, comes as standard with 18 of the latest generation driving technologies that help ensure a safe and convenient driving environment.”

Priced from $37,990 before on-road costs for the single-grade turbocharged petrol-powered C4 Shine, the latest Citroen features AEB, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and a driver attention alert, but lacks rear-cross traffic alert, rear auto-brake, or junction assist for the AEB system.